this abrupt speech the Emperor replied； 〃The matter lies within your province。〃
Cao Cao answered； angrily； 〃If such a remark be known outside； they will say I treat my prince without respect！〃
〃If you will help me； I shall be most happy；〃 said His Majesty。 〃If not； then I trust to your kindness to let me alone。〃
At this Cao Cao glared at the Emperor and went out full of resentment。
The courtiers said； 〃It is said that the Duke of Wei desires to bee Prince of Wei； and soon he will aspire to the throne。〃
Both the Emperor and his consort wept。
Presently Her Majesty said； 〃My father； Fu Wan； has long nourished a desire to slay this man。 Now I will indite a secret letter to my father to acplish his end。〃
〃Remember the former attempt with Dong Cheng。 The plot was discovered and great misery ensued。 I fear that this will leak out also； and both of us will be undone。〃
Said